Save to Pinterest There is nothing like the sizzle of chicken wings on the grill and that sweet glaze of BBQ sauce turning sticky in the heat This Grilled BBQ Chicken Wings recipe has been my answer for every backyard party and lazy Sunday hangout bringing that perfect mix of charred edges and finger licking goodness to the table
Every time I serve these straight off the grill there are never any leftovers They disappeared at our last family game night before I even set out the napkins
Ingredients
- Chicken wings: fresh or thaw fully if frozen plump wings grill best because they stay juicy and tender
- BBQ sauce: go with your favorite brand or homemade version thicker sauces cling better and create that sticky glaze look for one with a balance of sweetness and tang
- Salt and pepper: these basics are essential for flavoring the wings before any sauce always use coarse kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper if possible for bolder taste
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken:
- Pat wings dry with paper towels to help them crisp up on the grill Lay them out on a baking sheet for easy seasoning
- Season Generously:
- Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over all sides of the wings Press gently so the seasoning sticks
- Preheat and Oil the Grill:
- Get your grill hot to medium heat Clean the grates well and rub lightly with oil using a paper towel and tongs This keeps the wings from sticking and helps with those grill marks
- Grill the Wings:
- Place wings directly on the grill Cook with the lid closed for about ten minutes then use tongs to flip them Repeat with another ten minutes turning every few minutes so they brown evenly and the skin gets crisp all round
- Sauce and Char:
- During the last five minutes of grilling brush the wings all over with BBQ sauce Flip and brush again Let them cook until the sauce bubbles and caramelizes and you see a little char on the edges Watch close so the sugar in the sauce does not burn
- Rest and Serve:
- Transfer wings to a platter and let rest two to three minutes before digging in This short rest keeps juices in the wings and makes them even tastier
Save to Pinterest Leftover wings crisp up beautifully in the oven or air fryer no soggy skin here My favorite BBQ sauce is a Kansas City style with molasses and a little spice It reminds me of summer cookouts with my brother where we always battled over who had the best sauce
Storage Tips
Wings keep well in an airtight container for up to three days Refrigerate as soon as they cool to maintain that sticky texture For best results reheat under the broiler or in the air fryer to bring back the crispness never the microwave
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap wings with drumettes if you like more meat on the bone If you are out of BBQ sauce mix ketchup honey a dash of vinegar and some hot sauce for a quick stand in
Serving Suggestions
Serve with classic ranch or blue cheese dip A side of crisp coleslaw or grilled cornbread rounds out the meal and cools the heat
Cultural and Historical Context
Barbecue wings are an American classic born from backyard traditions Over decades they have found their way onto menus everywhere but there is nothing quite like making them at home where the sauce and char are exactly how you want
Seasonal Adaptations
Make them spicy for winter gatherings with a dash of cayenne in your sauce Switch out wood chips for different smoke flavors in the summer Toss cooked wings in chopped herbs and lemon zest for a spring garden twist
Success Stories
A friend once doubled this recipe for her Fourth of July party and said people lined up by the grill in hopes of getting seconds The simple steps and crowd pleasing flavors make this recipe a total win for any size group
Freezer Meal Conversion
Cook wings fully then freeze in a single layer Once solid transfer to a bag and store up to two months Reheat on a wire rack in a hot oven for the best ever weekday treat
Save to Pinterest Make these once and you will want them on repeat all summer Simple delicious and packed with smoky goodness this is sure to be your new go to wing recipe
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do you prevent chicken wings from drying out on the grill?
Grill the wings over medium heat and turn them frequently to maintain juiciness. Brushing with BBQ sauce helps seal in moisture.
- → Should BBQ sauce be applied before or after grilling?
Apply the sauce during the final five minutes of grilling to avoid burning and ensure a sticky, flavorful glaze.
- → How long should chicken wings be grilled?
Grill wings for about 20 minutes over medium heat, turning regularly for even cooking and char.
- → What’s the best way to get char on BBQ wings?
Turn the wings often and apply sauce near the end to achieve a caramelized, smoky char without overcooking.
- → Can different BBQ sauces be used for this method?
Absolutely—experiment with various BBQ sauces such as spicy, sweet, or smoky to customize the flavor.